A southeastern Iowa woman was killed in a motorcycle crash last night in west-central Iowa. The Iowa State Patrol says 58-year-old Julie Ann Beckman, of Burlington, died after the 1987 Harley Davidson she was riding failed to negotiate a curve on Madison County Road P-53 near the Madison/Dallas County line.

The cycle was driven by 57-year-old David Delany Beckman, who is also from Burlington. Officials say the cycle went out of control, slid onto the north shoulder of the road and rolled into the ditch, ejecting the riders — neither of whom appears to have been wearing a helmet.

David Beckman was taken by helicopter to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines following the crash at around 7:25 P.M. Tuesday. The accident remains under investigation, but authorities say Beckman will likely be charged with failure to maintain control and having an expired license.

Audio: Ric Hanson report. :43 MP3